 "Photo: Gloribelle Hernandez/Staff Photographer")
The teamwork and confidence showcased and gained from the win over Georgetown at home will be needed on the road as well, as the Scarlet Knights will face Miami this weekend.
Rutgers, coming off a 67-64 win over the Hoyas, remains undefeated at the Louis Brown Athletic Center, 10-0.
"It is always a challenge to play here - there's no question they have a great crowd," Georgetown women's basketball head coach Patrick Knapp said.
It's no wonder that the Knights always win at home - there was a crowd of 4,011 screaming fans in the stands supporting what looked like a brand new team.
"Our home floor is sacred, and that's how we see it," junior guard Chelsea Newton said. "It is an extra motivation."
RU looked rested against the Hoyas as 7-of-9 players got on the scoreboard. Sophomore forward Michelle Campbell, senior guard Dawn McCullouch, Newton, and Cappie Pondexter all scored in double figures.
Most notably was Newton, who shot 6-of-6 from the field on the night.
For most of the season, Newton has been plagued with a stubborn shoulder injury that has greatly affected her play - until yesterday.
"It was good to see her," head coach C. Vivian Stringer said. "She looked a little stronger than she has in some time. It makes a big difference."
The rest of the team noticed the difference as well.
"Chelsea is a very big part of our team, and her feeling good is a big thing," Pondexter said. "She brings a lot of intensity. Just having her on the floor means a lot to our team."
Although Newton's contribution was a pleasant surprise, it was the team effort that got the win, especially in controlling Georgetown All-American candidate Rebekkah Brunson.
"It was a full effort - she's a great player," senior center Shalicia Hurns said. "It took all four of us to really get it done, and she still had a double double. We really didn't stop her, but we won."
The defense may not have stopped Brunson, but it certainly slowed her down. Rutgers pulled down 33 rebounds to Georgetown's 29 - eight of which came from Rebecca Richman.
RU also shined in terms of its offense. The score was close, but well earned by every member of the team.
Also, back in the lineup was redshirt junior guard Nikki Jett. She was quiet yesterday, but RU will need her contribution for the remainder of the season.
It's a rare pleasure to see a team win with the whole team and not just on the shoulders of a few stars.
"This team is capable of playing without Cappie," Stringer said. "We want her, we need her, we need each and every person. Everybody brings uniqueness. I'm real pleased with the way each person has come along."
The Knights have a little bit of time to rest before they play at Miami on Saturday. As seen from this game, rest will be beneficial for the team, for the team plays well when rested and together. They just have to pull it off away from home.
"We are going to find out what we are made of," Stringer said.
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